Road has some pretty deep potholes; we lucked out with great weather; trail was good for the most part, but a few mud spots (crib steps that could really use some new gravel) and some downed trees forced us off the trail a few times; good boots are a must; found a flat, rocky beach about five miles in that was a perfect spot for the night (just past the wide, white bridge and a huge downed tree that covered the trail for ~20 yards); nice, quiet and private (no one really out yet); Lipton rice packs are an easy to make, tasty dinner :-); even with sleeping in, breakfast, packing up and the hike out, we were back at the trialhead by noon; great overnighter to start the season. Happy hiking :-) -James

Our distinguished leader, Paul A, chose the CCC road off the Middle Fork of the Snoqualmie. There were ten of us, and we met at the usual place, Coal Creek Starbucks. It didn't take long after arriving at the trail head, to discover that the trail is still not o.k. A swollen creek too deep and swift to cross turned us back. So, plan two, and up to the ""new"" parking area and bridge across the Snoqualmie. We hiked up the river about 1-1/2 miles, and lunch time arrived. Suprisingly, the weather wasn't too bad, considering the heavy rain in some areas. We had a few sprinkles and even sun breaks! Back to the cars, and into North Bend, for a stop at Scott's Dairy Freeze, and what is that place across the street?? Scribe is re starting with hiking, after several months on the disabled list. It is great to be back with this group. Some of our hikers read Greg Johnston's report in the P.I. (April 11 - ""GETAWAYS). One of our drivers, Fred D, will appreciate the new pavement as he has recently installed new shocks on his ancient Mercury sedan.

Our intent was to drive to the Dingford Creek trailhead and hike from there, but the road beyond Taylor River easily defeated our passenger car (one known flat tire and unknown other wear and tear) -- it might be OK for a rugged SUV, but don't make the mistake we did of trying it in a car. Having eventually come to our senses, we got back to the trailhead by Taylor River, and walked from there instead. We ended up only going about three miles, just enough to get back to the river at a pleasant rocky beach for a picnic. This is pretty much an easy stroll through the forest, which is beautifully eerie in places with moss-covered trees. The trail is in fine shape; there are some mud holes, but they're drying up fast. All in all, a wonderful walk, though it's a pity that the first miles don't stay by the river (which is why we hoped to start at Dingford Creek instead). One drawback: despite posted notices prohibiting them, it's clear that this trail is frequented by mountain bikers; we ran into a pair of them, and saw the tracks of many others.

Park at the Middle Fork trailhead just below the Taylor River. Cross the footbridge and head downstream following an old trail, at one point walking a section of gravel bar. After crossing Rainey Creek the trail ascends along the side of bluffs on the South side of the creek. Old, rotting pieces of bridges and puncheon are encountered. The trail vanishes into moss, and a short section marked by flagging ends at a dry, rocky streambed, 20 or 30 yards wide. Travel time to here is about an hour, but there are several opportunities before this point for losing the route - some flagging is helpful, some flagging is highly esoteric. Here the trail and flagging ended. Cross the streambed. A short traverse paralleling the river brings one down to a wide section of brush. Do not enter the brush. Instead head South towards the Middle Fork valley wall. Game trails and generally open forest allow easy passage. Then follow along the base of the cliffs until the valley wall becomes dramatically lower and tree-covered. Not far from the base of the lower tree-covered wall is an overgrown roadbed or railroad grade. This is about 2 hours from the car. The roadbed leads back to the Middle Fork and after a short walk along the low bank above the river, the Pratt River Trail is reached (2 1/2 hours total). After a lunch in the rain at the confluence of the rivers, I followed the Pratt River Trail upstream a mile or so. There was one area where 10 or 20 large trees had blown down that is easily passed on the right. Overall a very enjoyable trip. Until a new trail is built, this route is one option for accessing the long, low elevation Pratt River valley.

Rain was forecast on this warm spring day, but none fell while Charlene and I hiked this lowland valley trail. The trailhead is located off the Middle Fork Snoqualmie. The parking lot is huge, but only had three cars parked there. We started across the grand bridge over the green waters of the Middle Fork. The trail wanders off into lush, fern-filled second growth woods. The trail follows old road and benches above the river, winding through marshy areas and across small creeks until it again touches the river. We had lunch on a large gravel bar, exposed by the low water this year. We hiked on past Cripple Creek Bridge before turning around. The creek was roaring down through its cascades, a pretty sight. The air was mild and spring flowers were making an appearence. Charlene spotted our first trillium of 2001, marking the arrival of spring in the mountains. There was also lots of skunk cabbage, coltsfoot and some salmonberry starting to bloom. The red alder blooms gave Charlene some problems with allergies. Along the route there are some grand old trees, mostly wolf trees (multiple trunks) survivors of early cutting efforts in the area. This trail is great for families and beginning hikers, or those just wanting to get out and enjoy a pretty area. We only saw five people on the trail all day, surprising in such good weather. There are no real campsites along the route we traveled, although a couple spots might have been suitable for a small tent, no fire camp. We had great views of Garfield Mountain and some of the other rugged peaks in the area. The slopes above the trail were burnished granite cliffs, an indication of ancient glacier activity in the valley. There were four trees down over the trail, one very large that needed climbing over. Lots of gooey clay mudholes and some puddles were also noted. There were survey markers periodically. Is some work being planned in the area' Mountain bikes are allowed on this trail, but no horses or motorcycles. The approach road is full of huge potholes after the bridge over the river. Drive carefully.